MANGA REVIEW | "Jujutsu Kaisen" - Volume Twenty-Four
As readers of Jujutsu Kaisen know, the more Sukuna fingers Yuji eats, the stronger the Disgraced One gets. But in the twenty-fourth volume of Gege Akutami’s manga, a new hypothetical appears. Just what happens if Sukuna ripped off a part of Yuji’s flesh while he’s possessed, and forces someone to eat that? The answer: a transfer of power!
But before that all happens, outside nations interfere with the Culling Game. They aim to use Jujutsu Sorcerers as an alternative source of energy. The concept kind of intrigues Yuji and Megumi, but not there’s enough time to think of the hypotheticals. The soldiers who volunteered for the mission have bitten off more than they can chew, as they’re literally fed to the Curses in ways that’d make H.R. Giger sleep peacefully at night.
So what do the heroes of Jujutsu Kaisen do in such a situation? As the Culling Game’s got more rules than a hot springs, it’s hard to figure out how to turn the game into their favor. One rule idea contradicts with another, with there seemingly being no easy solution to the problem. Fortunately, Megumi has got one idea: contact his sister and fellow player Tsumiki and get her to conjure up a new rule.
Alas, as siblings often do, Tsumiki does something to rile up her brother. And no, it’s nothing small like eat the pudding he was saving for a special occasion. Tsumiki reveals her true self, and demands Sukuna as her opponent. Yuji obliges, with him setting some ground rules for the Disgraced One to stay under control. But then, Sukuna just so happens to find a loophole, and proceeds to raise some Hell!
From there, Jujutsu Kaisen throws down in its trademark fashion. We finally see Yuji go head-to-head with Sukuna himself, as he’s taken up a new host body. Bodies are thrown through skyscrapers, skull-faced angels invade the Culling Game area, and blood spills by the barrel-full. It’s the wanton level of violence we’ve come to expect from Akutami’s manga, presented with some of the most eye-popping facial expressions any normal person couldn’t imagine.
That then leads to Tsukimi going head-on with Sukuna. But she’s got a weird plan of her own, one that’s pretty laughable the more you think about it. Sukuna, being the strange fellow he is, agrees to the fight conditions, and the start of their battle commences. Sadly, just like many volumes of Record of Ragnarok, this volume ends just when it’s getting good!
Thankfully, Volume Twenty-Four of Jujutsu Kaisen ends in a way that makes me anticipate for what’s to come. No longer do I dread having to read what happens next like I did with the previous arc. Instead, Akutami’s manga delivers one solid twist after another, with a sprinkling of humor added to sweeten its entertainment value. I could go on, but bath time is approaching, and the Disgraced One is in need of a good soaking. Better prepare the towels…
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
